Sumrit Shahi talks about his writings, Never Kiss Your Best Friend and his tryst with success

MUMBAI: At 17, he became a novelist. At 20, he was recognized and awarded for his works. At 21, he became a writer of a top-rated show called Sada Haqq.  

Now, at 26, his works are being adapted into a successful web-series. He becomes a TEDx speaker. And he was also invited to the Jaipur Lit Fest. Under 30 and Sumrit Shahi’s journey is as interesting as his novels. His stories have relatable characters, clever humour and contemporary romantic brilliance.  

"A romantic writer has to master all emotions, along with a good dose of imagination and artistry with words. A passionate writer creates stories for an audience who crave romance. Writers of other genres, have a regime to follow to tell a great story. Unlike them, the romantic writers wallow in myriad emotions, keeping no pace with time or routine," states Shahi. 

Journey as a novelist

Hailing from an affluent family, Shahi studied in one of the best schools. But, “uncalled for behaviour” had him rusticated from the school. And from there on, his journey as a writer began.

For Shahi, an ideal mind was a writer's workshop. His stint with writing was entirely accidental. "I have always been expressive when it comes to writing. It was my stint as an intern with a reputed daily that made me realize that writing is what I want to do. I was all of 17 when I debuted as a novelist. My first offering was Just Friends," reminisces Shahi. "I barely had any expectations from Just Friends. But, to my surprise, the book became a top runner."  

Shahi's flair for writing and his way with words, then took the form of novels. Post Just Friends, he authored Lot Like Love and Li'l like Chocolate, and this too, like the previous novel, created ripples in youth circles. His books gained huge acceptability, even in slowly-induced I.I.T. circles. "Sometimes, all you need is a light read after a big day. My novels became therapy for I.I.T. students," says Shahi. Asked about what inspires him, he says, "Human relationships and how they unfold in different situations. Decoding a platonic relationship is what inspires me to write." 

The next move:

Sumrit Shahi took up writing on an impulse. And one beautiful day, he got a call from Beyond Dreams Entertainment to write for their youth-based show, Sadda Haq.  

There's been no looking back for the man since. He has written many shows forYash Patnaik like  Sadda Haq, Million Dollar Girl and Ek Veer Ki Ardaas – Veera. "Television is a different experience. Sadda Haq picked because it was meant for the generation next, written by someone who belongs to that generation and was launched by a channel that was meant for that generation. Here's the match of reliability and saleability," states Shahi, adding, "I always spoke my mind and never sucked up to anyone. That worked for me as a television writer." 

But, novel writing still plays an essential part of Shahi's life. He believes in change. "Readers want to see books that reflect them and their experiences. The romance genre will continue to grow, be more inclusive and to represent more human experiences," says Shahi.  

His latest offering, Never KissYour Best Friend, was made into a web series on the O.T.T. platform ZEE5. But, the web is not a new medium for Shahi. He along with Durjoy Dutta has penned dialogues for ALT Balaji's Medically Yours. 

Talking about Never Kiss Your Best Friend, Shahi says, "It is a story that celebrates friendship, that's what makes it unique. It's a young story of two best friends – a boy and a girl and how they navigate through life and its experiences – from sixteen to twenty-five. It's a coming-of-age story that most of us will connect with." 

He adds, "Just like my books, the series is a huge success and actors Nakuul Mehta and Anya Singh have made my characters Sumer Singh and Tania Brar come alive," says Shahi, who loves to write sitting in a bathroom. "In fact, I’ve made all the possible writing arrangements in my bathroom," he quips, quirkily. 

Life as a celebrated writer and beyond:

"Becoming successful at a young age comes with a price tag. I have lost many great friends and made many new friends too. I have realized any success is not the work of a great individual but the arduous work of a great team," says Shahi. 

And what of his own romantic life? "I am single and I get attracted very easily to a girl who can strike an engaging conversation and who is open to new ideas." But for now, his plate is full of web-series and movies. "Yes, I have been approached by a big production house to write a movie, but it's too early to divulge details," he winks.